Taieri Beach School’s roll fell from 25 pupils to fewer than 10 in 2019 and was down to two pupils last year.
However, principal Gloria Penrice insisted it had a future because of an innovative, nature-based learning programme.
Although the Taieri roll increased to four pupils this year, other schools were sending pupils who could benefit from the programme to it on a weekly basis, Dr Penrice said.
Every Thursday for three hours, the school had pupils from Silverstream School, in Mosgiel, and Tokoiti School, in Milton, come in and take part in its curriculum, .
It was about developing pupils’ curiosity and creativity through forming a connection with nature, Dr Penrice said.
"It’s about appreciating nature and what nature can do to you."
Nature had a calming effect on pupils, but at the same time it reinvigorated them to get back in the classroom and become more engaged with other elements of school such as the mandatory hour of reading, writing and maths.
"Some of them had only come eight times but yet there was a dramatic change at home for some of them, but definitely at school."
The school required minimal funding because a lot of its resources were taken from the school grounds.
The pupils learnt from what they saw in nature when they took part in a mix of pupil-led and teacher-led activities, Dr Penrice said.
Release teacher Petra Carruthers said although the programme was fun, it was not just playing.
The sessions with pupils from other schools would begin with a picture evaluation of how they felt when they came in and then some discussion, which might lead to an activity such as a science experiment, she said.
The pupils would have to think about different objectives for the session such as being creative or trying out some new technology. Then they would work together on different tasks that involved a bit of risk-taking.
"It’s really amazing how capable and confident they are but they have developed a lot of teamwork, which you start seeing in the classroom as well."
Silverstream principal Greg Hurley said the pupils from his school were very hands-on learners and problem-solvers who required a little more attention.
He had noticed the socialisation and communication skills of pupils who took part in the programme had really come along, he said.
"They’re just more engaged in learning as a whole."
It was something he wanted more pupils to be taking part in.
